An armed man was arrested after authorities say he forced his way through a crowd and lunged toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton while she was speaking at the Canfield Fair on Sept. 6.
Acton was not injured, but several people were knocked to the ground during the incident. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick M. Havas
, of Canfield, faces assault and disorderly conduct charges.The incident comes during a closely watched race for Ohio governor between Acton, a former state health director and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
The confrontation has prompted bipartisan calls to reject political violence as Ohio's gubernatorial campaign enters its final stretch.
Here's what we know:
What happened to Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair?
The incident occurred around midday at
the Mahoning County Democratic Party's tent while Acton was addressing supporters.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Havas pushed through the crowd toward Acton, knocking multiple people to the ground as he advanced. Members of the patrol's executive protection unit intervened and detained him before he could reach the Democratic candidate.
Witnesses said Havas appeared to be holding up a cellphone as if he intended to record himself asking Acton a question before forcing his way through the crowd.
Former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri, who witnessed the encounter, said Havas knocked down several people, including an elderly man.
Was Amy Acton injured?
No. Acton was not injured during the incident.
Several fairgoers and volunteers were knocked down and suffered injuries, which authorities said were not serious.
Witnesses said Acton helped injured attendees after the suspect was detained. Her campaign later thanked law enforcement for its quick response and said she was praying for those who were hurt.
Was Patrick Havas armed?
Yes.
After Havas was taken into custody, authorities said they found two pistols and a Taser in his possession.
Investigators said none of the weapons was brandished or removed from its holster during the incident. The Canfield Fair allows firearms in most areas, although they are prohibited inside designated buildings.
What charges does Patrick Havas face?
Havas was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
He is being held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Who is Patrick Havas?
Patrick M. Havas, 38, lives in Canfield, according to authorities.
Public records indicate he graduated from Stow-Munroe Falls High School in 2006. His Facebook profile states that he attended Youngstown State University and the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, although it is unclear whether he earned a degree from Youngstown State.
Is Patrick Havas related to Andrew Havas?
Public records list Andrew James Havas as a possible household member and possible brother of Patrick Havas.
Andrew Havas resigned from a volunteer position with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted's campaign in July after reports surfaced about a prior conviction involving accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor. Husted's campaign said Andrew Havas did not disclose the conviction and was asked to resign after it became known.
The connection has drawn attention because Acton recently criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over campaign donations totaling more than $10,000 from Andrew Havas, according to a report.
How have Ohio political leaders responded?
The incident prompted swift condemnation from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Gov. Mike DeWine said he spoke with Acton after the incident and confirmed she was safe, calling violence or threats of violence at political events unacceptable.
Ramaswamy's campaign released a statement condemning the confrontation, saying candidates should be able to meet with voters without fear of threats or violence.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown issued similar statements expressing support for Acton and praising law enforcement officers for their quick response.
This story may be updated.
Reporters from the Ohio USA TODAY network newsrooms contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Amy Acton unharmed after Ohio incident. Who is suspect Patrick Havas?
